Xarelto, Bayer’s blood thinner formulated to prevent blood clots and lower the risk of stroke, may also cause uncontrolled bleeding that can lead to hospitalization and even death.

Xarelto is an anticoagulant developed by Bayer and Johnson & Johnson’s New Jersey-based unit, Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Unlike other anticoagulants that require doctors to prescribe specific doses for each individual patient, Xarelto is prescribed in one uniform daily dose for those who suffer from atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition that affects about three million Americans and causes blood to pool in a storage chamber of the heart, where it can clot and travel to the brain.

FDA Approval

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Xarelto in July 2011 to reduce the risk of blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with a history of knee or hip replacement surgery. In November 2011, the FDA expanded the approval for Xarelto to include using it to reduce the risk of stroke in people with AF. Then in 2012, the FDA approved Xarelto for the general treatment and recurring risk of DVT and PE.

Xarelto has no known antidote for uncontrolled bleeding, and the drug’s manufacturers have yet to release information for doctors on how to treat the condition. Doctors have been encouraged to recommend that patients with liver or kidney problems, those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed should not take Xarelto.

In Germany, the number of side effects from Xarelto appears to be increasing. In the first eight months of 2013, German regulators received 968 records of side effects, including 72 deaths, and many physicians are hesitant to continue to prescribe the drug.

Lawsuits

According to Reuters, Bayer is now facing its first lawsuits in the U.S. over Xarelto, one of the company’s top five medications in terms of sales last year. The suits allege that there should have been a warning communicated about the risks of uncontrolled bleeding associated with Xarelto, and that marketing induced doctors to prescribe the drug even though there were less dangerous and less expensive alternatives available, according to court documents.

If you have suffered uncontrollable bleeding or if your loved one lost life due to bleeding after taking Xarelto we can help. Contact the attorneys of Childers, Schlueter & Smith for a free case evaluation and consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options. Our experienced drug injury lawyers will work closely with you and fight for the maximum compensation for your injuries.

To learn more about how our personal injury attorneys can help you and your family with your claim, contact us toll free at 1-800-641-0098 or send us a confidential message. We will discuss your legal options and help you make informed decisions about your case.

If you are a victim of personal injury or have lost a loved one to wrongful death, the lawyers of Childers, Schlueter & Smith, LLC are here to help you.

Practice Areas

A very dedicated & professional firm, determined to ensure a satisfactory outcome for themselves & their clients. Periodically, they provide a very detailed account of the progress of one's case & they are always available to advise & help their clients understand the many complicated

Personal Injury Testimonial Cumming, GA

This firm handled our law suit extremely well and we were very pleased at the outcome. -Mary M.

Car Accident Testimonial Florida

An amazing Firm! They will wow you with their talent and knowledge. They are very caring and compassionate with their clients. Richard Schlueter is the best! - Debra, V.

Product Liability Testimonial Powder Springs, GA

From the very beginning, they would keep me up to date about any change. Kelly was quick to find answers if she did not have them right in front of her. Through the roughest time in my life, Childers, Schlueter & Smith were completely dependable.